Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Fire Chief’s Surprise by Chris Maday Schmidt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: The Fire Chief’s Surprise
Author: Chris Maday Schmidt
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance
He wasn’t looking for love…
Until one little boy came into his life.
Fire chief Josh Rogers has just three months to get married or risk losing custody of his late foster brother’s infant son. So when Annie Greene offers to help him find a wife in exchange for repairs at her bakery, it seems like the perfect solution. As the three spend time together, Josh can’t help but feel that Annie’s the only person he can picture filling the role of Finn’s mother. But can they set aside their past insecurities and embrace a chance at happily-ever-after?
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub
My Review of The Fire Chief’s Surprise
The Fire Chief’s Surprise by Chris Maday Schmidt is a charming friends-to-more Love Inspired book with two characters who must learn that their pasts don’t define them.
After receiving the heartbreaking news that his foster brother along with his wife have been killed in an accident, Fire Chief Josh Rogers finds that he’s been named as their baby Finn’s guardian. When he returns to his home in the small town of Sweetwater, his friend and attorney/constable Jake surprises him with a codicil to the guardianship; in order to retain custody of Finn, Josh must marry within three months, so Finn can have a family.
The last time Annie Greene saw Josh, they’d had an argument over a fine that Josh, as fire chief, had to issue to Annie’s bakery. He’s understandably nervous about seeing her again, but Finn provides a bridge that heals their rift and restores their friendship. As Annie loses her heart to little Finn, she can’t stand the thought of Josh losing custody, so she volunteers to help Josh find a wife. I’m sure you can guess how that goes!
This story was so sweet and heartwarming, yet it had a real depth to it that spoke to my heart. Like Annie and Josh, we may feel as if our pasts define who we are. However, if you are a Christian – which, in the story, Josh and Annie both are – God doesn’t see our past sins. He sees us through the blood of His Son Jesus. Jesus, who literally became the sin of the entire world. We are not our past. Annie and Josh eventually come to accept this truth. I loved how they each thought that the other wouldn’t see them in the same light when they knew the truths of their pasts. It’s so us!
The Fire Chief’s Surprise is the first book I’ve read by Chris Maday Schmidt, but it won’t be the last! I’ll need to check out her other books set in Sweetwater because I really enjoyed the side characters and the small town vibe.
I highly recommend The Fire Chief’s Surprise for its heartwarming romance, charming small town setting, multi-layered characters, and its spiritual themes. 5 stars!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Also Available
About the Author
A self-professed princess and Publishers Weekly bestselling author, Chris Maday Schmidt believes it’s always the “write” time for real-life fairytales brimming with hope, humor & heart. She’s a member of Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers, and her debut novel—A Father’s Vow—received a 5-star reader review in the 2024 Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews and Award Contest. The Fire Chief’s Surprise is Chris’s second inspirational romance for Harlequin. She also writes heartwarming stories for Woman’s World, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Guideposts, and assorted magazines. She and her real-life hero reside in a cabin in Northern Arizona.
Connect with Chris by visiting chrismadayschmidt.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a Reader’s Prize Bundle which includes a scented candle, bookmark, and bookish socks, glass cup, and canvas bag, as well as a print copy of A Father’s Vow, also by Chris Maday Schmidt!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 1, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 8, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
This should be an excellent read. Thanks for sharing.
this is such a great review! Thanks for being on the tour, Christy 🙂
What a fun review, thank you so much, Christy. I’m glad you enjoyed your trip to Sweetwater and the redemptive story of Josh and Annie 🙂
You’re welcome! Thank you for stopping!